President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr has extended the state of calamity in the Philippines due to COVID-19 until December 31, 2022, the Malacañang announced.
Marcos issued Proclamation No. 57 following a recommendation from the National Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council.
However, the declaration may be lifted earlier than Dec. 31 or extended depending on the circumstances based on the proclamation.
Meanwhile, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said the state of calamity has been extended “for possibly 3 months” to preserve the benefits under it “such as but not limited to the indemnification, emergency procurement, special risk allowance for healthcare workers.”
“We will transition out of the state of calamity after further review,” said Angeles in a Palace briefing.
The declaration enables the national government and local government units to tap into appropriate funds for its COVID-19 response.
The state of calamity due to COVID-19 was initially declared by former president Rodrigo Duterte at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.
Thumbnail photo made via Canva
